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William Plans His Own Birthday Party: Initiative versus Guilt
William (Age 8) decided to plan his own birthday party, because he felt that by planning it he would be more likely to have his desired outcome. This way he is able to invite exactly whom he would like, and choose the activities that take place. In Erikson's third stage, initiative versus guilt, the crisis is between becoming capable of purposefully planning activities and gaining a sense of initiative or, if discouraged, feeling a sense of guilt. -
William Gets Married: Intimacy Versus Isolation
William (age 27) made the decision to marry the woman he loved, Antonia, and spend the rest of their lives together. In Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation, the crisis is between beginning a committed relationship and risking your newfound identity or those who deem the risks too high end up isolated. -
William Works In Order to Raise Money for His Children's Education: Generativity Versus Stagnation
William (Age 45) has worked very hard for many years to support his family, and has now decided to open college funds for each of his three children in order to support them in paying for college. In Erikson's seventh stage, generativity versus stagnation, the crisis is between contributing to the future generations or working only for yourself and entering a stage of stagnation.